Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has requested access to the Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which holds sensitive tax information for millions of Americans. The system is used by IRS staff to manage taxpayer data, issue notices, and update records. As of now, the request has not been granted, but its implications have raised concerns among government officials and privacy experts, fearing that granting access could put citizens’ private information at risk.
Musk, known for his outspoken criticisms of federal authorities, has raised alarms about federal workers allegedly defrauding taxpayers and questioned the wealth of high-ranking officials. His statements have fueled concerns regarding his motives behind accessing government systems, especially considering his companies’ extensive federal contracts. Recently, DOGE also sought access to the Treasury Department’s payment system, which led to a lawsuit by 19 states, temporarily blocking that request.
On February 12, 2025, a DOGE staff member visited the IRS, seeking to understand how the agency collects and manages taxpayer data. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. Reports suggest the IRS is considering a memorandum of understanding that might allow DOGE access to multiple government systems, including IDRS. However, the specifics of what data DOGE has already accessed remain unclear.
Privacy experts have voiced concerns about the potential risks of such access. Elizabeth Laird, a former state privacy officer, emphasized that citizens trust the government to handle their sensitive data securely and legally. Critics argue that allowing DOGE to access tax records without clear safeguards could result in identity theft or personal privacy violations.
While DOGE claims transparency and asserts that access would not allow them to alter any data, IRS policies strictly prohibit unauthorized access to personal tax records. A judge has temporarily blocked DOGE’s access to the Treasury Department’s system, but the situation continues to unfold with further legal challenges.
